Happy New Year’s Eve!
As 2014 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on your year and think about changes you want to make in 2015.
Do you have goals for yourself on the work front? How about in your personal life? If you need an extra push to achieve these goals, make some New Year’s resolutions to start down the right track.
If you haven’t had much success keeping them in the past, here are some tips to keep in mind as you make your New Year’s resolution(s) for 2015.
Be Realistic
Reaching for the stars enables us to dream big. But if you’re like most people, New Year’s resolutions will call for changes in habits or behavior you aren’t exactly over-the-moon about making. Set the bar high, but also think about your past experience. If you haven’t carried out most of the resolutions you’ve made, consider why.
Are you overambitious in general? It is possible you simply have too much else to tackle to realistically fulfill your resolution? Keep your resolutions simple, yet sincere. Choose them thoughtfully and lay out a plan for how to make the changes you want in 2015.
Create a Timeline
Have you done an excellent job staying on top of your New Year’s resolution for a month or two, only to see your success fizzle as the year wears on? As long as your resolutions are manageable, one of the best ways to see them through is to think about and outline the steps you need to take throughout the year.
For some, this means consistent deadlines for goals to be met. For example, if you’re trying to get in shape and improve your fitness, try to run 100 miles each month. Others will want to hit the ground running and slow down the ferocity later on in the year. If you want to lose 25 pounds this year through a combination of healthy eating and exercise, create a plan to work towards that goal instead of feeling like a failure come March. For example, you can shoot to lose 10 pounds by March 1, 20 pounds by July 1, and 25 pounds by the end of the year. Those who are especially worried about failing should start out with smaller goals and gradually move on to larger ones as the year rolls on.
No matter which method is best for you, make measurable goals and write them down to stay on track.
Hold Yourself Accountable
If you’re good at sticking to self-imposed deadlines, regularly checking your timeline may be all you need to hold yourself accountable. If you perform more effectively when someone keeps tabs on you, then do just that…have someone else help keep you on track. This “someone” could be a loved one, a personal trainer, a doctor, or someone you trust to keep tabs on your progress and call you out when you’re slacking. These days, you can even take advantage of social media check-ins and updates. You know better than anyone else what is necessary for you to stay on track. Whatever it is, just make sure it happens.
Reward Yourself
For a select few, knowing that desired results can be achieved if you keep pressing on is enough to keep you on track to meet your goals. But for many of us, the knowledge the hard work we put in will lead to better health or some other improvement in our life isn’t enough. A bit of positive reinforcement can go a long way. If you crave this gratification, reward yourself each time you meet a short-term goal. Just make sure the rewards don’t completely unravel the work you’ve already put in.
Don’t Give Up
As people realize they won’t successfully conquer their New Year’s resolutions, they tend to give up on them entirely. If you really want to make some changes, don’t let this happen. Remind yourself a little bit of progress is better than none at all. Maybe you won’t live up to the resolutions you set, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Don’t fall into the common trap of abandoning your New Year’s resolutions under the pretenses you can just try again next year. Keep trying this year!
Whatever New Year’s resolutions you make and however you plan to go about tackling them AMLI Residential wishes you the best as you work towards keeping your resolutions. We encourage you to reach for your goals, but don’t let the pursuit of them keep you from enjoying yourself and the company of your loved ones. Taking the time to indulge in your interests is important to maintaining the motivation necessary to realizing your resolutions.
What New Year’s resolutions are you making this year? Share in the comments!
View All Posts by Jason Ernst